tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879484994979419452018-03-17T22:15:10.599-07:00THE HOLMES SPOTYour Daily Dose of Mike Holmes.The Holmes Spothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512620912625850729noreply@blogger.comBlogger781125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587948499497941945.post-69524819296693536802015-08-03T10:50:00.002-07:002015-08-03T10:50:22.364-07:00Happy Birthday Mike!The Holmes Spot wishes Mike Holmes a very happy birthday! We think you only turn 52 once in a lifetime, and it should be celebrated with gusto! In years gone by, I've put together some creative little surprises for Mike to celebrate, however I have a little milk-drinking (and time-sucking) human attached to my hip, and she demands I spend virtually every free waking (and sleeping) moment with her.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Here's a little flashback to birthdays past. This is the "gift" I made for Mike in 2012. It took 6 months to create, and Mike was very appreciative of it! I got the idea to make this cartoon in February of 2012 while watching the South Park movie. After singing along to "What Would Brian Boitano Do?" I thought to myself, Mike Holmes deserves a completely gratuitously over the top ridiculous fan song too! Thus, the Mike Holmes Cartoon was born.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PmFYSgYeOZQ" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><br />Happy Birthday Mike! Here's to many more birthdays, and lots more joy to come!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The Holmes Spothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512620912625850729noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587948499497941945.post-84311631060778313322015-07-24T18:12:00.001-07:002015-07-24T18:14:57.931-07:00Home Free -- Before and After Pics of House #1I hope you all caught the premiere of Home Free, Mike Holmes' brand new show which airs Wednesday nights at 9 PM on FOX. During the episode, all 9 couples worked to renovate a dilapidated home for a deserving family under the watchful supervision of Mike and his crew. As it turned out, the deserving family ending up being the one couple eliminated by Mike at the end of the show. Just how dilapidated was the house that the couples worked on? Check out these <a href="http://www.fox.com/home-free/photo-gallery/home-1-before-after" target="_blank">before and after photos posted on the FOX website</a>! From the looks of it, the couples did a fantastic job and helped to create a beautiful home!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3bxSG_LWwq4/VbLf6J1Wb-I/AAAAAAAAFus/1_ArSPGHANc/s1600/house1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3bxSG_LWwq4/VbLf6J1Wb-I/AAAAAAAAFus/1_ArSPGHANc/s320/house1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j91yKPvnqjs/VbLfToaIRVI/AAAAAAAAFuk/_a0qg07YXYs/s1600/house2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j91yKPvnqjs/VbLfToaIRVI/AAAAAAAAFuk/_a0qg07YXYs/s320/house2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I-b4UIzAAvk/VbLfTXOBMnI/AAAAAAAAFuY/TNfo4FxLWJQ/s1600/house3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I-b4UIzAAvk/VbLfTXOBMnI/AAAAAAAAFuY/TNfo4FxLWJQ/s320/house3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-isosvSWO9V8/VbLfTtZRQGI/AAAAAAAAFuc/pYf4isP8DBs/s1600/house4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-isosvSWO9V8/VbLfTtZRQGI/AAAAAAAAFuc/pYf4isP8DBs/s320/house4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sCg69UahazQ/VbLgqasjMdI/AAAAAAAAFvI/VhdtPb0A-3E/s1600/house5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sCg69UahazQ/VbLgqasjMdI/AAAAAAAAFvI/VhdtPb0A-3E/s320/house5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KZUkz9prlbU/VbLgrPoXbLI/AAAAAAAAFvY/ECyZ8xkfRmk/s1600/house6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KZUkz9prlbU/VbLgrPoXbLI/AAAAAAAAFvY/ECyZ8xkfRmk/s320/house6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HaXZmw6u1X8/VbLgrQFDVOI/AAAAAAAAFvc/aTsyPM71vc4/s1600/house7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HaXZmw6u1X8/VbLgrQFDVOI/AAAAAAAAFvc/aTsyPM71vc4/s320/house7.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yw2utGDLi34/VbLgr9kGWZI/AAAAAAAAFvo/bkp6ag--2bQ/s1600/house8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yw2utGDLi34/VbLgr9kGWZI/AAAAAAAAFvo/bkp6ag--2bQ/s320/house8.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xpk4bzlMML0/VbLgr3rSSnI/AAAAAAAAFvk/qUG_2xc5K44/s1600/house9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xpk4bzlMML0/VbLgr3rSSnI/AAAAAAAAFvk/qUG_2xc5K44/s320/house9.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qaju2a6JBmE/VbLgpJ-dKeI/AAAAAAAAFvA/e3Ccyqx9IYk/s1600/house10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qaju2a6JBmE/VbLgpJ-dKeI/AAAAAAAAFvA/e3Ccyqx9IYk/s320/house10.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rc5uplNcGqU/VbLgpTH0sYI/AAAAAAAAFu4/6Qf-FMCH7Dw/s1600/house11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rc5uplNcGqU/VbLgpTH0sYI/AAAAAAAAFu4/6Qf-FMCH7Dw/s320/house11.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1LQ1GMXQpUk/VbLgpPRZd4I/AAAAAAAAFu0/-9JqK39FIHI/s1600/house12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1LQ1GMXQpUk/VbLgpPRZd4I/AAAAAAAAFu0/-9JqK39FIHI/s320/house12.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tUOeCjd7pvo/VbLgp3g3X_I/AAAAAAAAFvM/-3RqKvy3k_o/s1600/house13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tUOeCjd7pvo/VbLgp3g3X_I/AAAAAAAAFvM/-3RqKvy3k_o/s320/house13.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3RFqBQWqIVQ/VbLgqafATpI/AAAAAAAAFvw/wHqBooVyfiQ/s1600/house14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3RFqBQWqIVQ/VbLgqafATpI/AAAAAAAAFvw/wHqBooVyfiQ/s320/house14.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Sac3YAPFys/VbLhijChoqI/AAAAAAAAFwI/XpMHen826-8/s1600/house15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Sac3YAPFys/VbLhijChoqI/AAAAAAAAFwI/XpMHen826-8/s320/house15.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_mNNi4Qo_8o/VbLhirV4THI/AAAAAAAAFwM/FzByuR1CU3I/s1600/house16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_mNNi4Qo_8o/VbLhirV4THI/AAAAAAAAFwM/FzByuR1CU3I/s320/house16.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kvF5szU1NfM/VbLhis1ANdI/AAAAAAAAFwE/GQi_hMCItDk/s1600/house17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kvF5szU1NfM/VbLhis1ANdI/AAAAAAAAFwE/GQi_hMCItDk/s320/house17.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LOCa_lW1FRg/VbLhjLXJFeI/AAAAAAAAFwU/JqJsbcAfytQ/s1600/house18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LOCa_lW1FRg/VbLhjLXJFeI/AAAAAAAAFwU/JqJsbcAfytQ/s320/house18.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />The Holmes Spothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512620912625850729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587948499497941945.post-30668741602128192242015-07-23T14:21:00.000-07:002015-07-23T14:28:15.115-07:00The Secret to Hiring the Perfect ContractorIn case you didn't know, Mike Holmes has been a contractor for well over 30 years, so it's safe to say that Mike knows a little about how to hire a good contractor. Perhaps more importantly, Mike's seen the emotionally and financially devastating consequences of hiring a bad contractor and has built his career around making it right for those burned by so-called professionals who don't care enough or know enough to do the job right. Unfortunately for the vast majority of us, the chances of getting on one of Mike's shows is slim to none, so it's important to know how to hire a good contractor (and avoid the bad ones) before you start a renovation project. In this video posted by Home Free FOX, Mike gives his "secrets" to hiring the right guy for the job. If you've seen any of Mike's shows or have picked up one of his best selling books, you've probably heard this advice before. There's really no magic in hiring the perfect contractor - it's all about slowing down and using your head.<br /><br /><div id="fb-root"></div><script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><br /><div class="fb-video" data-allowfullscreen="1" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/HomeFreeFOX/videos/1449224945385444/"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/HomeFreeFOX/videos/1449224945385444/"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/HomeFreeFOX/videos/1449224945385444/"></a><br />Want to know the secret to hiring the perfect contractor? Mike Holmes has a few tips &amp; tricks for you!<br />Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HomeFreeFOX">Home Free FOX</a> on Thursday, July 23, 2015</blockquote></div></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sGwY_gHxG0E/VbFcIfn5eNI/AAAAAAAAFtk/Ce-2JT9e0m0/s1600/HF8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sGwY_gHxG0E/VbFcIfn5eNI/AAAAAAAAFtk/Ce-2JT9e0m0/s320/HF8.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4OO8lYhTbCI/VbFcOs6FFaI/AAAAAAAAFts/xqo9zDq1f88/s1600/HF9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4OO8lYhTbCI/VbFcOs6FFaI/AAAAAAAAFts/xqo9zDq1f88/s320/HF9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j_bGbGr5MgQ/VbFcOsrA21I/AAAAAAAAFtw/dF3RbG3XlDk/s1600/HF10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j_bGbGr5MgQ/VbFcOsrA21I/AAAAAAAAFtw/dF3RbG3XlDk/s320/HF10.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />The Holmes Spothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512620912625850729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587948499497941945.post-25650731214078595882015-07-23T12:52:00.001-07:002015-07-23T14:00:59.295-07:00Home Free Premiere Episode - Review and RecapLast night, the premiere episode of Mike's latest show aired on the FOX network. He promised it would be big, and I'm happy to say Mike delivered! Home Free is probably the biggest and most life changing reno-reality show on TV. It's also Mike's first whole-hearted jaunt into the US market. So how did Canada's most trusted contractor do south of the border? This American blogger thinks that Home Free is exciting, fast paced, and bursting at the seams with Mike's over the top personality. The show features 9 couples who work together and against each other to win their dream home in Atlanta, Georgia. After five days of hard work in the sun and the rain renovating a dilapidated house inside and out for a deserving family, one couple who doesn't meet Mike's stringent standards for quality gets eliminated from the competition. There is a twist however - every show has to have a twist! In true Mike Holmes fashion, no one goes home empty handed. At the very end after all the other contestants have been carted away, it is revealed to the eliminated couple that the home they worked so hard on belongs to them. Feelings ensue and the reaction is nothing short of TV gold.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HfePd--16Hc/VbFVWI1iYQI/AAAAAAAAFtM/xmGIm8upvw4/s1600/HF6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HfePd--16Hc/VbFVWI1iYQI/AAAAAAAAFtM/xmGIm8upvw4/s320/HF6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Although almost everybody's favorite moment of the show is where the two teachers Jamaal and Sheena went from utter devastation to pure ecstasy after they found out that they would be receiving a new home, my favorite moment is a little different. I actually prefer the moment in the show when Kate was wildly swinging a sledge hammer and Mike flipped out, sending her outside to think about what she had done. If you've ever watched Mike's shows in the past, you know that Mike is all about safety, and I thought it was funny that if you don't work safely, Mike's going to put you in time out!<br /><br />By the way, you can watch the entire premiere of Home Free on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FOXTV/videos/10153071901997993/" target="_blank">Home Free FOX Facebook page</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YtNkJp6GHkY/VbFF3RzRTnI/AAAAAAAAFs8/BYj1leSfqT0/s1600/HF5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YtNkJp6GHkY/VbFF3RzRTnI/AAAAAAAAFs8/BYj1leSfqT0/s320/HF5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oHICRU_ciYE/VbFV7Yulm5I/AAAAAAAAFtU/W4IaIh2X90Q/s1600/HF7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oHICRU_ciYE/VbFV7Yulm5I/AAAAAAAAFtU/W4IaIh2X90Q/s320/HF7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />The Holmes Spothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512620912625850729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587948499497941945.post-46111097329640862812015-07-22T22:05:00.001-07:002015-07-22T22:06:35.274-07:00The Premiere of Home Free on FOX<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rmbw3OA3J9o/VbB1Ho8aBAI/AAAAAAAAFsY/gThtwSMImLg/s1600/HF1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rmbw3OA3J9o/VbB1Ho8aBAI/AAAAAAAAFsY/gThtwSMImLg/s200/HF1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Tonight is the big night we've all been waiting for! Mike's brand new reality show on the FOX network premieres tonight -- in fact, it's already premiered on the east coast, and it's currently airing on the west cost right now! I'll be posting more about tonight's episode tomorrow.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Earlier today, Mike was in LA doing some press on Good Day LA talking about his new sure-to-be-a-hit-show Home Free. You can watch Mike's segment on the show&nbsp;<a href="http://www.myfoxla.com/story/29608723/home-free-a-feel-good-renovation-show-on-fox" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Pictures from Mike's appearance:<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DOo5kqm2-88/VbB1HpUIJJI/AAAAAAAAFsg/ATEKdTejL5A/s1600/HF3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DOo5kqm2-88/VbB1HpUIJJI/AAAAAAAAFsg/ATEKdTejL5A/s320/HF3.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BH7Q1WZAdX4/VbB1HrveaeI/AAAAAAAAFsc/-bLqGiR2olw/s1600/HF2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BH7Q1WZAdX4/VbB1HrveaeI/AAAAAAAAFsc/-bLqGiR2olw/s320/HF2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XehT9yOFA6M/VbB0_beOTqI/AAAAAAAAFsI/FKmqRIFRtWM/s1600/GDLA1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XehT9yOFA6M/VbB0_beOTqI/AAAAAAAAFsI/FKmqRIFRtWM/s320/GDLA1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gyU-xKtdYYs/VbB0_fmp-AI/AAAAAAAAFsA/dorWxGP9yW8/s1600/GDLA2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gyU-xKtdYYs/VbB0_fmp-AI/AAAAAAAAFsA/dorWxGP9yW8/s320/GDLA2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ni2B8s1Jl9s/VbB0_cqVwvI/AAAAAAAAFsE/NTdAlVvo190/s1600/GDLA3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ni2B8s1Jl9s/VbB0_cqVwvI/AAAAAAAAFsE/NTdAlVvo190/s320/GDLA3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div>The Holmes Spothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512620912625850729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587948499497941945.post-1490240405271962732015-07-21T17:31:00.001-07:002015-07-21T17:32:40.225-07:00It Feels Great To Be Back!Hello everyone! I've been gone for a while, but there's a reason why, and I'd like you all to meet the reason why I've stepped away from this blog for the last couple of months. I'd like you all to meet Madison, my beautiful baby girl.<br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-69POIMG1sew/Va7jHH7DB7I/AAAAAAAAFrk/7FyT7y_Eu0s/s1600/DSC_0037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-69POIMG1sew/Va7jHH7DB7I/AAAAAAAAFrk/7FyT7y_Eu0s/s400/DSC_0037.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mike has been doing some incredibly awesome and exciting things, and I've been doing my best to follow them all, with a newborn on my hip. I finally feel like it's time to come back and start blogging again, especially with Mike's new FOX reality show premiering tomorrow! More to come...</div></div>The Holmes Spothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512620912625850729noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587948499497941945.post-78150392825756213252015-05-24T21:21:00.001-07:002015-05-24T21:21:37.352-07:00Mike Holmes: The Proper Way to Sand and Stain Your DeckMany of us live a very urban lifestyle and long for the simplicity of nature. There's no better way to reconnect with nature than incorporating natural materials in our everyday lives. A wood deck is a beautiful way to create a natural and tranquil environment that's perfect for relaxation, but wooden outdoor surfaces require constant maintenance to keep them looking good. Wooden decks need regular washing, sanding, and staining to protect their surfaces from the elements. In the article below, Mike goes into detail about the proper way to maintain a wooden deck, and believe me, Mike knows first hand how much work goes into deck maintenance. Just check out a recent photo of Mike relaxing on his own cedar deck:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mPlK_cVCMfI/VWKeEqxWqhI/AAAAAAAAFqU/mmsec-a7dYQ/s1600/19618_795856473818459_5764325832551763199_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mPlK_cVCMfI/VWKeEqxWqhI/AAAAAAAAFqU/mmsec-a7dYQ/s400/19618_795856473818459_5764325832551763199_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Mike's rules for staining a deck right? If you don't know what you're doing or can't do it safely yourself, hire a pro to do it. Don't use clear or translucent stains in areas that get a lot of traffic. Last but not least, use the right tools for the job -- get a proper stain brush! Decks should be power washed, sanded, and stained as often as mother nature dictates to keep your wooden surfaces protected and looking their best.<br /><br /><br />From the <a href="http://news.nationalpost.com/homes/mike-holmes-how-to-sand-and-stain-your-deck-the-proper-way" target="_blank">National Post</a>:<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Mike Holmes: How to sand and stain your deck — the proper way</span></b><br /><br />I’ve heard a lot of talk about outdoor wood structures and maintenance. Some people might tell you that if you go with something expensive, like cedar, that you don’t need to stain it — that it weathers to a natural grey-looking colour. But I know I wouldn’t want my wood going grey, especially not after spending so much money on it. Before it does, make sure you protect it properly.<br /><br />I’ve spoken to a lot of pros over the years and they all agree on one thing: If you have wooden structures on your property, whether that’s a deck, shed or fence, they require maintenance, no exception.<br /><br />All wood, except manufactured products like composite wood — even pressure-treated lumber — need to be sanded and stained. If you want it to last, you have to put in the time and some elbow grease.<br /><br />Here’s how the pros handle their wood:<br /><br />1. Start with a pressure washer. If you’re working on a softer wood, such as pine, spruce or cedar, be careful with the pressure washer setting (you want to use the wide fan) and how close you hold the wand to the wood surface, because a pressure washer can damage a softer wood. Test it out first on a spot that’s hidden. If you see that the wood fibres start to lift, back off.<br /><br />If the wood surface has a lot of old product on it, you might need to use a stain or paint remover. Follow the instructions and use protective gear if you go this route, but try to avoid using harsh chemicals if you can. This is also a good time to use an anti-mildew treatment. Go with one that’s biodegradable. After it’s been washed, let the wood dry for at least a couple of days.<br /><br />2. The next step is sanding, but make sure there is no chance of rain. If the wood gets wet after it’s been sanded, but not before it’s been stained or painted, it’s back to square one — you’ll need to wash and sand it again.<br /><br />Some homeowners will want to rent a big floor sander to do a large wooden surface like a deck floor. Don’t do that. These machines are heavy and they won’t be able to reach the entire surface of most wooden planks. Floor sanders can only sand surfaces that are perfectly flat, and deck boards are slightly curved. That means it will take off too much in some sections and not enough in others.<br /><br />Unfortunately, the only way to do it right is by hand with a belt sander, palm sander and sanding sponge — not to mention the proper safety gear, too, such as safety eyewear and respirators. If you can’t do it safely yourself, hire the pros.<br /><br />Pros start with a belt sander using a heavier grit belt (something like 50) working backwards on the boards. Then they’ll use a palm sander for the areas the belt sander couldn’t reach; followed by a sanding sponge wrapped in sand paper for the areas the palm sander couldn’t reach. Then they’ll repeat that process using a lighter grit (60/80). This leaves a nice, smooth surface that will take the stain consistently.<br /><br />3. Finally, it’s staining time. The general rule is the thicker the stain, the better the protection.<br /><br />Clear coats provide no protection; so don’t waste your money. Translucent or semi-transparent stains are also very thin; you will need to reapply every year. For smaller structures, such as an arbour or a pergola, it might not be a big deal, but for larger surfaces such as a wooden deck, you’ll want to go for something thicker that lasts longer.<br /><br />For maximum protection, use a solid stain or paint, at least on the surfaces that get the most wear and tear. Then you can have a more natural-looking stain on the other areas.<br /><br />And always use a proper stain brush!<br /><br />How often do you need to do this? It depends. I’d say at least once every two years, but Mother Nature has her own agenda. If the next time it rains, water beads and pools on the wood, that means it still has some protection. If it doesn’t, it’s time for some maintenance.<br /><br />Watch Mike Holmes on Holmes Makes It Right on HGTV. For more information visit makeitright.ca.<br /><br /><br />The Holmes Spothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512620912625850729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587948499497941945.post-79914059089823854602015-05-11T22:08:00.001-07:002015-05-11T22:10:11.887-07:00Mike Holmes At the 2015 FOX Programming Presentation in New York CityAs was announced earlier this month, Mike Holmes has been given the opportunity to host a prime time reality series on the FOX Broadcasting Network (home of the Simpsons, not the news network, although both are owned by the same parent company). The show will be called <i>Home Free </i>and gives nine deserving couples the chance to win their dream home. For more information about the series, see&nbsp;<a href="http://holmesspot.blogspot.com/2015/04/mike-holmes-to-host-home-free-new.html" target="_blank">Mike Holmes to Host "Home Free" New Reality TV Series on Fox Network</a>. Today, Mike Holmes was an attendee at the 2015 FOX Programming Presentation in New York City. The star-studded event was held at Wollman Rink in Central Park. The purpose of the event was for FOX to announce their new primetime series for the 2015-2016 season. Photos of the even were released today, and it appears Mike, whose entourage included his daughter Amanda, was all smiles.<br /><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ddLl-c33EAw/VVGLH8Y9ucI/AAAAAAAAFpc/4oldKl9QDOg/s1600/511homefreefox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ddLl-c33EAw/VVGLH8Y9ucI/AAAAAAAAFpc/4oldKl9QDOg/s320/511homefreefox.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IAfInLbeBSc/VVGKswswsWI/AAAAAAAAFok/_2ApeZAAQdU/s1600/511-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IAfInLbeBSc/VVGKswswsWI/AAAAAAAAFok/_2ApeZAAQdU/s320/511-1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nWy6US2ZgdM/VVGKtMal7eI/AAAAAAAAFoo/hB4jF-m9QPQ/s1600/511-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nWy6US2ZgdM/VVGKtMal7eI/AAAAAAAAFoo/hB4jF-m9QPQ/s320/511-2.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Po22ihSmWOo/VVGKs8ZpZLI/AAAAAAAAFpU/Cg7Z111cKFc/s1600/511-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Po22ihSmWOo/VVGKs8ZpZLI/AAAAAAAAFpU/Cg7Z111cKFc/s320/511-3.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ei3hAjbqdtg/VVGKtuBK_zI/AAAAAAAAFos/lT0aqci3wuY/s1600/511-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ei3hAjbqdtg/VVGKtuBK_zI/AAAAAAAAFos/lT0aqci3wuY/s320/511-4.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-evxjxizPe5I/VVGKuSZdzBI/AAAAAAAAFow/xn-yH6y0e-c/s1600/511-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-evxjxizPe5I/VVGKuSZdzBI/AAAAAAAAFow/xn-yH6y0e-c/s320/511-5.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oRFzOb29cs0/VVGKunnuRzI/AAAAAAAAFo0/7muTK3aJXlU/s1600/511-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oRFzOb29cs0/VVGKunnuRzI/AAAAAAAAFo0/7muTK3aJXlU/s320/511-6.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OFMxxmFgkMs/VVGKvN08ZKI/AAAAAAAAFo4/VaUfT5-XG68/s1600/511-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OFMxxmFgkMs/VVGKvN08ZKI/AAAAAAAAFo4/VaUfT5-XG68/s320/511-7.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The Holmes Spothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512620912625850729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587948499497941945.post-54427796704925447512015-05-02T21:06:00.000-07:002015-05-08T21:08:45.224-07:00Mike Holmes: Don't Wait For Accidents To HappenThe month of May brings more than nice weather and flowers from all of those April showers. The month of May seems to inspire everyone to renovate and perform maintenance on their homes and yards. May is also Building Safety Month. In the past, Mike Holmes has served as an honorary ambassador for Building Safety Month, emphasizing that building projects be done with both health and safety in mind. In the article below, Mike implores homeowners to be proactive in preventing accidents by taking common sense measures such as wearing appropriate safety gear. Work gloves, safety glasses, and the correct footwear should never be optional when performing maintenance around the home and yard. Little safety measures could be the difference between a beautiful yard and a trip to the emergency room.<br /><br /><br />From the <a href="http://news.nationalpost.com/homes/mike-holmes-draft" target="_blank">National Post:</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TjdVhUOrKLs/VU2Hyzr2JxI/AAAAAAAAFoI/PtELHUQovSw/s1600/aholmes_buildingsafe-healthyhomes_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TjdVhUOrKLs/VU2Hyzr2JxI/AAAAAAAAFoI/PtELHUQovSw/s320/aholmes_buildingsafe-healthyhomes_001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mike Holmes: Don’t wait for accidents to happen, prevent them</span></b><br /><br />Mike Holmes, Postmedia News | May 2, 2015<br /><br />May is a really big month in the world of construction and homes — everyone’s starting to work on their house, either by doing some regular maintenance and landscaping or starting a reno. But no matter what type of work you decide to get done, make sure the results not only look good but also give you a safer, healthier home.<br /><br />May is Building Safety Month and building safety is really about being proactive. Don’t wait for an accident to happen — prevent it.<br /><br />The scariest story for me was when a small boy accidentally drank paint thinner that was in a water bottle. A contractor working on the house had left it behind. And, if you can believe it, the contractor took the homeowners to court because they wouldn’t pay him more! (Don’t worry, he lost.)<br /><br />There are certain basic safety rules we must all follow when working on our homes, whether you’re doing the work yourself or hiring someone else to do it. That includes things like wearing work gloves and safety glasses. Years ago, I almost lost my eye because I wasn’t wearing my safety glasses.<br /><br /><br />When I was about 22 years old, I was cutting a piece of plywood on a table saw.<br /><br />I saw a knot and I said to myself, “You should be wearing safety glasses.” I wasn’t. When it got to the knot the blade fired the plywood back, and it hit me right underneath my eye. Less than a centimetre higher and I’d be telling a different story. That was enough for me. From that day forward, I’ve used safety glasses all the time.<br /><br /><br />Also, use a respirator when sanding and there’s debris or toxic fumes in the air. Also, make sure there’s proper ventilation when painting — no exception — or when using gas-powered tools.<br /><br />And don’t forget to wear proper steel-toe work boots when working outside, in your house or whenever there is the potential for injury. I know too many weekend warriors with broken toes and feet because they decided to garden wearing sneakers or sandals.<br /><br />Also, keep the job site clean. I don’t care whether you’re just painting or doing a big demo — clean up as you go along, not just at the end of the day. It’s one of the simplest ways to prevent an accident. Let me give you an example.<br /><br />When I was still renovating with my dad, I was working on this job where I was pulling drywall and ceiling tiles and throwing them on the floor. It wasn’t long before the entire floor was covered. My dad told me I should clean it up; I thought I’d do it later. I went to stand on a chair to reach something — not safe — and next thing I know I was on the floor with a nasty cut. Why did I fall? Because one of the chair’s legs was sitting on a piece of drywall that was covering a hole in the floor for the register.<br /><br />So there are the basic safety protocols we should all follow when working around the house or when other people work on our homes. But building safety is also about taking care of home issues that have a direct impact on your health.<br /><br />There are plenty of instances where keeping your home safe protects your health, too, whether it’s building to code so there’s proper ventilation and no dangerous fumes coming into our homes, using VOC-absorbing drywall or paint, or doing a radon test and addressing a radon problem if there is one. (Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in Canada, and first for non-smokers.)<br /><br />A safer, healthier home should be at the top of everyone’s priority list — not just during May, but every day. Be safe: Hire the pros when you need them, and do what you can to keep your home healthy for you and your family. To me, that’s making it right!<br /><br />Watch Mike Holmes on Holmes Makes It Right on HGTV. For more information visit makeitright.ca.The Holmes Spothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512620912625850729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587948499497941945.post-47283099324981823852015-04-29T22:54:00.000-07:002015-04-29T22:54:00.747-07:00Mike Holmes to Host "Home Free" New Reality TV Series on Fox NetworkBack in November of last year, Mike was in Los Angeles being courted by TV executives. He couldn't say exactly what he was up to, but he assured his fans that whatever it was, it was "big" and asked his fans to wish him good luck (See <a href="http://holmesspot.blogspot.com/2014/11/whats-mike-up-to-rumors-and-speculations.html" target="_blank">What's Mike Up To? Rumors and Speculations...</a> for more information). As it turns out, "big" just doesn't seem like the appropriate word to describe Mike's most recent activities. It was announced today by both Fox Broadcasting and Mike Holmes that Mike is slated to host his very own prime time reality series this summer. The show entitled <i>Home Free</i> features couples competing to win their dream home by renovating a dilapidated home every week under the supervision of Mike. The catch? The couples will have to live in the homes 24/7 as they are renovated, meaning the better they do at the challenges Mike throws at them, the more comfortably they live. <i>Home Free</i> is set to air Wednesday nights at 9/8C starting July 22 on Fox. As most fans are aware, Mike Holmes is no stranger to reality show series. Besides <i>Holmes on Homes, Holmes Inspection, and Holmes Makes It Right</i>, which are sort of reality series, Mike has been a host judge on <i>Canada's Handyman Challenge</i> and its across-the-border sister spin-off <i>All American Handyman. </i>Although successful in their own rights, these HGTV and DIY Network series are small bananas compared to prime time on a major TV network. A show like this will undoubtedly expose Mike to a whole new and potentially much larger audience than anything he's ever done! It's a fantastic opportunity for him to spread his message far and wide and gain some much needed support for the trades.<br /><br />From <a href="http://www.fox.com/home-free" target="_blank">Fox.com</a>:<br /><br />ALL-NEW COMPETITION SERIES “HOME FREE”<br /><br />BREAKS GROUND WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, ON FOX<br /><br />Host Mike Holmes to Award the Winning Couple a Dream Home<br /><br /><a href="http://www.fox.com/sites/default/files/Mike-billboard-800x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://www.fox.com/sites/default/files/Mike-billboard-800x450.jpg" width="320" /></a>FOX has ordered HOME FREE, a new competition series that will feature never-before-seen twists and plenty of surprises, as couples vie to win their dream home. From Relativity Television and executive producer Tom Forman (“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”), and hosted by famed professional contractor Mike Holmes (“Holmes on Homes®”), the eight-episode unscripted series breaks ground Wednesday, July 22 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.<br /><br />“HOME FREE is a ‘renovation’ of the home makeover genre and FOX is, without question, the right network to partner with,” said Tom Forman, CEO of Relativity Television. “We’re thrilled to have host Mike Holmes, the most legit name in renovation. He’s going to inspire our contestants, but also push them to the limit...and that’s a great thing. I’ve done some big shows, but this is the biggest, complete with all sorts of twists and turns you’ll have to watch to believe. We can’t wait to get renovating.”<br /><br />“A home is way more than brick and mortar. So being part of this new series and partnering with FOX is truly exciting for me,” said Holmes. “I’m ready to break ground with these couples. It’s going to be a lot of sweat and tears but I promise you, all worth it in the end...trust me on this.”<br /><br />On HOME FREE, nine deserving couples are challenged to revive one run-down home every week. During each episode, Holmes will present the couples with tasks designed to test and challenge the skills of these do-it-yourself enthusiasts. Holmes will be with the competitors every step of the way – picking apart their work and demanding they meet his high standards, while also sharing his expertise and guidance to help them reach new heights. But in a surprise twist, when the work is done for the day, the couples don’t have far to travel to get home…because not only must they work together to restore the home, they must all live together in the same dilapidated home 24/7. The more they accomplish, the better they sleep at night.<br /><br />Each week, the couples with the best work will move forward in the competition, while the couple who didn’t perform up to code will face elimination. Eliminations will continue each week, until only two couples remain, who will fight to the finish to win their ultimate dream home.<br /><br />Holmes is a professional contractor and the host and creator of the hit TV series “Holmes on Homes®,” “Holmes Inspection” and “Holmes Makes It Right.” After working in the building and renovation industry for more than 20 years, Holmes was asked to develop and host his own television series, “Holmes on Homes®,” which became an international success and broke ratings records, solidifying his career in television. With more than 30 years’ experience as a licensed contractor, Holmes has been able to use television as a tool to educate homeowners on how to manage a renovation; what to look for in contractors; the right products for the right job; proper home repair and maintenance; and their rights as homeowners.<br /><br />HOME FREE is produced by Relativity Television and executive-produced by Tom Forman, George Verschoor, Trice Bartow, Brad Bishop, Andrew Marcus and Mike Holmes. The series will be distributed internationally by ELECTUS.<br /><br />About Relativity Television<br /><br />Relativity Television is one of the largest suppliers of television programming in the United States. Since its inception in 2008, Relativity Television has produced more than 1,000 hours of programming for more than 55 networks, including NBC, MTV, Showtime, A&amp;E, Discovery Channel, Food Network and Disney Channel. In 2014, Relativity Television produced 45 series/specials, including ”Catfish: The TV Show” (MTV), “The Great Food Truck Race” (Food Network), “The American Bible Challenge” (Game Show Network) and ”All About Sex” (TLC).The Holmes Spothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512620912625850729noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587948499497941945.post-73247229171357071752015-04-22T22:00:00.002-07:002015-04-22T22:00:26.411-07:00Mike Holmes on Celebrating Earth DayToday is Earth Day, and as a leading voice for building cleaner and greener, Mike is all about making small decisions that add up to big change. What does it mean to build green? According to Mike, going green is more than choosing so-called green products. A product can claim to be environmentally friendly, but if it doesn't work, it usually ends up in the waste bin. Building with the environment in mind is more about choosing products wisely, and choosing products that will last and don't have to be replaced in a couple of years. It's also about choosing products that will save energy and cut down on heating and cooling costs. Using energy efficient windows and strategically placed awnings not only look great and increase the value and aesthetics of your home, they also save big bucks off your utility bills by reducing the amount of energy you consume. It's a win-win for everybody and a big win for the environment.<br /><br />From the <a href="http://news.nationalpost.com/homes/mike-holmes-celebrate-earth-day-year-round-with-good-building-practices" target="_blank">National Post</a>:<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Mike Holmes: Celebrate Earth Day year-round with good building&nbsp;practices</span></strong><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kb3-XtN-4dA/VTh79tORhXI/AAAAAAAAFnM/dKKzk6YGs_c/s1600/aholmes_earthday_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kb3-XtN-4dA/VTh79tORhXI/AAAAAAAAFnM/dKKzk6YGs_c/s1600/aholmes_earthday_001.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />Earth Day is April 22, and it’s a good reminder for all of us to make greener choices to help save energy (which means more money in your pocket), reduce waste and have better, healthier homes. Because that’s what it’s about — going green but being smart about it.<br />I’ve seen many so-called “green” products that end up creating extra waste because they don’t work. But I’ve also seen many great, durable products that protect our homes, so we don’t waste materials but do increase our comfort.<br />One example is Schluter’s Ditra-Heat floor-warming system. It protects the integrity of your tiles, so they don’t crack and need to be replaced, protects your floor against moisture and mould, and has heating cables so your feet feel warm and toasty in the morning, using minimal energy — all pluses.<br />Ensuring a home is built with better construction is thinking green. When we improve the building envelope — windows, insulation, roof, foundation and exterior siding — we make our homes more weather resistant and energy efficient. When things last longer and we don’t have to throw them away and replace them with new materials, we keep garbage out of landfills and save the energy that’d be used having a new product manufactured and shipped.<br /><div id="fsk_splitbox_9" style="height: 0px;"></div>There are plenty of changes that most homeowners can do to make their homes more green, for example, switching to LED lights and using solar-powered outdoor lights.<br />If you’re replacing your roof, you can recycle the old asphalt shingles and, if you can afford it, go with a metal roof. A metal roof will last a minimum of 50 years; it’s fire-resistant, helps you save loads in heating costs and looks good, too. (Some metal-roof products look like regular asphalt shingles.)<br />You can also use landscaping to help block out heat in the summer and cold in the winter. You can install awnings, which act like visors for your home. In some environments they can reduce heat gain by 55 to 77 per cent and save homeowners as much as 25 per cent on energy bills. Then there’s the big stuff all homes are eventually moving toward, such as using geothermal energy — the earth’s natural temperature — to help heat our homes and domestic water. We could also use greywater or rainwater to wash cars and water lawns, use solar energy to power our homes and solar lights to light them, or add a green roof to help manage storm water and increase insulation.<br />But these bigger changes that affect the structure and the mechanics of the home, and require incorporating new innovative systems, are more difficult for homeowners to do today, either because they’re beyond their budget or it’s too difficult to modify their homes to accommodate those changes.<br />That’s why bigger, greener changes need to come from the top down — from the industry (whether it’s a builder, renovator, architect or contractor) to the homeowner.<br />That might mean more builders offering “green” home packages, where everything that makes the house more durable and energy efficient is planned out and developed before the first shovel hits the dirt. Renovators can specialize in “green” renovations, where they take a house that might have been built 30 or 50 years ago and update it with all the latest systems so it uses minimal energy.<br />This is where energy-efficiency home inspections can also really make a difference, because they can help identify all the spots in your home that are losing energy — and money. These types of inspections include tests like the blower door test or thermal imaging to find heat loss.<br />Most homeowners I talk to want a home that’s energy efficient and healthy. If you told them they could power their home with a reliable and clean source of energy for just a fraction of what it costs them now, they would be on board.<br />But these changes have to make sense financially, environmentally and construction wise. And they need to be accessible to the average homeowner if we want to really make a change, make it right and make it count.<br /><em>Watch Mike Holmes on Holmes Makes It Right on HGTV. For more information visit makeitright.ca.</em>The Holmes Spothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512620912625850729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587948499497941945.post-28055217313012142322015-04-21T22:20:00.000-07:002015-04-22T22:20:57.841-07:00Mike Holmes: The Caulking KingWhen Mike was young, Mike caulked a lot of bathroom fixtures. So much so, that he earned a nick name from the guys at the hardware store who noticed Mike with caulk wiped all over his pants: The Caulking King. Caulking windows and fixtures is definitely a DIY project that Mike encourages homeowners to do, but just like any project, practice makes perfect. If you want to be a more proficient caulker, watch Mike's tips on how to caulk right.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/holmesmakesitright/video/webexclusives/mike-holmes-on-why-you-can-do-caulking/video.html?v=352040515585&amp;p=1&amp;s=da#holmesmakesitright/video/webexclusives" target="_blank">You can watch Mike's web exclusive video on the HGTV Canada website.</a><br /><br />Photos:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s22RmdNd7To/VTiBBeUOyBI/AAAAAAAAFnc/em4f9Oh5F9c/s1600/caulk1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s22RmdNd7To/VTiBBeUOyBI/AAAAAAAAFnc/em4f9Oh5F9c/s1600/caulk1.JPG" height="178" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RJEfGZiMd-M/VTiBBQIcw_I/AAAAAAAAFng/YNdOKpA6jq8/s1600/caulk2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RJEfGZiMd-M/VTiBBQIcw_I/AAAAAAAAFng/YNdOKpA6jq8/s1600/caulk2.JPG" height="177" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGp1UQwYVc8/VTiBBdwYRNI/AAAAAAAAFno/Rt4fxNgit-k/s1600/caulk3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGp1UQwYVc8/VTiBBdwYRNI/AAAAAAAAFno/Rt4fxNgit-k/s1600/caulk3.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />The Holmes Spothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512620912625850729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587948499497941945.post-87935109538435149342015-04-16T21:10:00.000-07:002015-04-16T21:10:09.734-07:00A Heartfelt ThanksToday, Mike Holmes took the time to post an unsolicited heartfelt thanks to all of his fans on Facebook for supporting him and passing along the "Make It Right" attitude. For as much good as Mike has done in the world for other people, the thought that Mike would&nbsp;take the time to thank his fans&nbsp;is truly a display of his big heart.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><em>Just want to say thanks to all my fans out there. Your support over the years has been unbelievable. You've helped encourage me and my guys to continue our work, helping others to </em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/makeitright?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=778628392207934"><em>‪#‎makeitright‬</em></a><em>.</em></blockquote><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0CkWoWTj7M8/VTCGrJnhfTI/AAAAAAAAFm8/4JQ0S0OmhTU/s1600/Facebook-post.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0CkWoWTj7M8/VTCGrJnhfTI/AAAAAAAAFm8/4JQ0S0OmhTU/s1600/Facebook-post.JPG" height="357" width="400" /></a></div><blockquote class="tr_bq">&nbsp;</blockquote>The Holmes Spothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512620912625850729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587948499497941945.post-68903077060792070662015-04-14T21:56:00.002-07:002015-04-14T22:31:08.025-07:00New Mike Holmes Workwear - Coming SoonThere can only be one Mike Holmes. Well, technically there's two, but one is Junior and one is Senior, and they're both featured in this downright manly (and kind of sexy, if you don't mind me saying) video promoting the Holmes Workwear brand. The video shows both Mike Jr. and Sr. "modeling" an all-new line of Holmes brand Workwear, which is coming soon to an internet store near you! No one can be Mike Holmes (except Mike), but maybe you can look like him while you work!<br /><br />According to Mike's official YouTube channel:<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">"Responding to the modern workforce, Holmes Workwear has developed a fully functional work wear collection designed to help you get the job done right."</blockquote><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jvRUqzw1GBA" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />Pictures:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmVEa7jqJ-c/VS3vS6XW_cI/AAAAAAAAFmM/uSEw6h7l4j8/s1600/workwear1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmVEa7jqJ-c/VS3vS6XW_cI/AAAAAAAAFmM/uSEw6h7l4j8/s1600/workwear1.JPG" height="220" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-70ppsYPr09M/VS3vSzVW6eI/AAAAAAAAFmY/pBGkk1Bxrmw/s1600/workwear2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-70ppsYPr09M/VS3vSzVW6eI/AAAAAAAAFmY/pBGkk1Bxrmw/s1600/workwear2.JPG" height="218" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wuS-Dx09HJU/VS3vS1pZl9I/AAAAAAAAFmQ/43YIzEmH7C8/s1600/workwear3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wuS-Dx09HJU/VS3vS1pZl9I/AAAAAAAAFmQ/43YIzEmH7C8/s1600/workwear3.JPG" height="220" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />The Holmes Spothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512620912625850729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587948499497941945.post-47309843153542173692015-04-13T22:27:00.000-07:002015-04-14T22:29:03.678-07:003rd Annual Baeumler Family Foundation Celebrity Karaoke Gala - Video PreviewFor the past couple of years, HGTV star Bryan Baeumler and his wife have hosted a black tie event that brings out the biggest and brightest names in HGTV and beyond, all for a good cause. The 3rd Annual Baeumler Family Foundation Celebrity Karaoke Gala, slated to be held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Toronto on May 21, 2015 will no doubt be a blast for all those in attendance. You can buy a ticket to the charity event at the <a href="http://www.baeumlerfamilyfoundation.com/#!2015gala/c3bp" target="_blank">BFF website</a>, but you better hurry because they will sell out. Mike Holmes has been a celebrity guest for the past two years, and although the website doesn't list him as an attendee this year, I'm betting that he'll make an appearance or support the organization in some way.<br /><br /><img src="http://static.wixstatic.com/media/2de4aa_0cdc7c60fab647f7b7797b69a781582d.png_srz_p_980_400_75_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_png_srz" height="260" width="640" /><br /><br />A video montage was released today on the YouTube channel belonging to the photographer for last year's (and presumably this year's) event. The video really gives you a good feel for the affair, and features Mike and his date Anna (wearing the green dress) in multiple spots.<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fUDBrLHfcb4" width="560"></iframe><br />The Holmes Spothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512620912625850729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587948499497941945.post-44695003007170709722015-03-31T20:22:00.000-07:002015-03-31T20:22:35.884-07:00Mike Holmes' Appearance on This Hour Has 22 Minutes - 3/31/2015Mike Holmes made an appearance on a segment of the CBC political satire show <i>This Hour Has 22 Minutes</i>, in which he and the host bantered back and forth about the very expensive Parliament building renovation project. The segment aired tonight at 8:30 PM Eastern time on the CBC.<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5D0Sh2MJKF4" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><br />Pictures:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B8Bmhkefgwo/VRtkCnwFYsI/AAAAAAAAFlw/c0I6YVX6Akc/s1600/22-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B8Bmhkefgwo/VRtkCnwFYsI/AAAAAAAAFlw/c0I6YVX6Akc/s1600/22-1.JPG" height="221" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v7WgUQL0Tpc/VRtkCwqohXI/AAAAAAAAFlo/6uO-nPgaLbk/s1600/22-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v7WgUQL0Tpc/VRtkCwqohXI/AAAAAAAAFlo/6uO-nPgaLbk/s1600/22-2.JPG" height="223" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aH5o630d1Qw/VRtkCkDXjSI/AAAAAAAAFlk/OwXO_BORUSs/s1600/22-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aH5o630d1Qw/VRtkCkDXjSI/AAAAAAAAFlk/OwXO_BORUSs/s1600/22-3.JPG" height="218" width="400" /></a></div><br />The Holmes Spothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512620912625850729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587948499497941945.post-63682966275512235542015-03-28T23:48:00.000-07:002015-03-28T23:48:04.978-07:00Mike Holmes in Brantford with Empire CommunitiesEarlier this month, Mike Holmes announced his partnership with Ontario home builder Empire Communities (for more information, see <a href="http://holmesspot.blogspot.com/2015/03/empire-communities-partners-with-mike.html">Empire Communities Partners with Mike Holmes for HOLMES Approved Homes Program</a>). Today, Mike did a meet and greet with fans at the Empire/Holmes Partnership Event in Brantford.<br /><br />From the Empire Communities Facebook page:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><em>"Great turnout today at our ‪#‎EMPIREHOLMES‬ Partnership Event at Wyndfield by Empire Communities in Brantford. Paul Golini, Mike Holmes and local dignitaries spoke about their passion and dedication towards building higher quality homes for our our kids and future generations. Followed by a Mike Holmes photo frenzy which included kids and folks who came out from all over the GTA and Southwestern Ontario to celebrate and learn more about this new partnership."</em></blockquote><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152933659512798.1073741836.242431147797&amp;type=1" target="_blank">You can view the Empire&nbsp;Communities event photo album here</a>. Here are some of my favorite pics from the album:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2soIZsgNunI/VReejdC_nVI/AAAAAAAAFkw/NcCe3LtwZqg/s1600/19127_10152935814462798_8340347475260720804_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2soIZsgNunI/VReejdC_nVI/AAAAAAAAFkw/NcCe3LtwZqg/s1600/19127_10152935814462798_8340347475260720804_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="246" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-73ooWobaiBQ/VReesJ_i02I/AAAAAAAAFk4/KdopofdMK-M/s1600/984299_10152935820212798_6243503254076726779_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-73ooWobaiBQ/VReesJ_i02I/AAAAAAAAFk4/KdopofdMK-M/s1600/984299_10152935820212798_6243503254076726779_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="246" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2QnD1U84jE/VReesJ21NwI/AAAAAAAAFk8/O_OP4NFxuJk/s1600/10420140_10152935720907798_6599327582493385627_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2QnD1U84jE/VReesJ21NwI/AAAAAAAAFk8/O_OP4NFxuJk/s1600/10420140_10152935720907798_6599327582493385627_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="246" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSxp-JmVprA/VReesDoU6lI/AAAAAAAAFlA/WILb8juLy2A/s1600/10998822_10152935747032798_5959167370091107651_n%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSxp-JmVprA/VReesDoU6lI/AAAAAAAAFlA/WILb8juLy2A/s1600/10998822_10152935747032798_5959167370091107651_n%5B1%5D.jpg" height="246" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Check out these videos featuring some very bold kids asking Mike some very poignant questions and Mike responding back with some very frank answers!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5j7hStjIMQ0" width="560"></iframe><br /><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CTyvKo_XsDw" width="560"></iframe><br />The Holmes Spothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512620912625850729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587948499497941945.post-64898839542640373742015-03-23T21:59:00.000-07:002015-03-25T21:59:50.439-07:00Mike Holmes Partners with Duvanco HomesThe Holmes Approved Homes program has a new partner to add to its growing list of industry leading builders. Mike Holmes Approved Homes has has partnered with Duvanco Homes due to their commitment to excellence in both building homes right from the ground up, and building homes with that "wow" factor that makes homeowners love living in them.<br /><br />For more information about Mike's partnership with Duvanco Homes, visit the <a href="http://www.duvancohomes.com/duvanco-approved-by-mike-holmes/" target="_blank">Duvanco Homes website</a>.<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ywwQJTVI91E" width="560"></iframe>The Holmes Spothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512620912625850729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587948499497941945.post-14850170327241247462015-03-20T21:49:00.000-07:002015-03-25T21:49:25.385-07:00Spring Maintenance - It's About Priorities!Spring is in the air, and even if there's still a layer of snow on the ground where you live, you can almost smell that warmer weather is just around the corner. Many people want to get out of the house and jump right into their pet projects and fixing up the yard, but Mike Holmes warns homeowners to stop for a moment and prioritize what's really important when it comes to renovating. Mike highly suggests that people work from the inside out, meaning focus on all the things you don't readily see that make your home more comfortable and weather resistant. Start with inspecting the roof and foundation and make sure that the caulking around the windows held through the winter. Mike also recommends that people maintain a 5% slope away from the house to protect the foundation from spring's rain and next winter's snow. When it comes to spring maintenance, prioritize your projects and renovate smart and you won't go wrong.<div><br /></div><div>From the <a href="http://news.nationalpost.com/2015/03/20/mike-holmes-its-finally-spring-so-start-preparing-your-house-for-next-winter/" target="_blank">National Post</a>:</div><div><br /></div><div><h1 class="npStoryTitle" itemprop="headline" style="background-color: white; font-family: PostSerifLight, georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 40px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">Mike Holmes: It’s finally spring — so start preparing your house for next&nbsp;winter</h1></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KdjeRJkOQeI/VROPc5X2KpI/AAAAAAAAFkc/7bga0MlV0P0/s1600/aholmes_springready_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KdjeRJkOQeI/VROPc5X2KpI/AAAAAAAAFkc/7bga0MlV0P0/s1600/aholmes_springready_001.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div><div>We’re finally at the beginning of spring. That means spring maintenance — the stuff we do to get our homes in tip-top shape for next winter. It also means renovation season is just around the corner.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you have a renovation or construction project you want completed before next winter, get on it now. It’s going to take at least a couple of months to find the right professional, so you better start looking and doing your homework fast; otherwise, you might have to put it off until next year.</div><div><br /></div><div>When it comes to home repairs and maintenance, spring is about re-roofing, upgrading or replacing windows or regrading.</div><div><br /></div><div>Most people want to jump right into creating their dream backyard in time for summer, renovating the kitchen or a bathroom, or finishing the basement. But you have to think smart. What’s the point of getting the perfect backyard if it’s just going to get trampled over and ruined if you have to fix a crack in the foundation, replace the windows or regrade your property to prevent a leak or flood?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>These fixes make such a difference in your home, but a lot of homeowners lose perspective as the temperatures get warmer — they get spring fever. That’s when you forget about what’s important, such as upgrading insulation, making sure your attic is well-ventilated and insulated, or making sure the roof is strong and there’s a system that directs water away from your house and its foundation.</div><div><br /></div><div>Instead, many people go with the impulse buys — the stuff we all want, like that awesome deck or man cave, modern kitchen or hot tub. But we should work from the outside in, looking at the building envelope first so that anything we do on the inside is protected and therefore lasts.</div><div><br /></div><div>Prioritizing spring fixes</div><div><br /></div><div>1. The most important thing is to regrade your property. Grading with at least a five-degree slope away from the foundation (that’s a one-inch slope for every horizontal foot) can help protect against basement flooding and leaks. This is the time of year you’ll start to notice if your property has sunk away from your foundation; build it up, and divert water away.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. Look for puddling around the yard. Spring brings many showers, and with all the melting snow it’s no wonder basement flooding is common during this season. If you’re concerned, bring in a contractor you trust as soon as possible. They might be able to give you a temporary solution so that permanent repairs can be made during summer.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. Inspect caulking around windows and doors. If it’s cracked, replace it. There’s a lot of good caulking on the market, but educate yourself so you know what you’re buying. A rubberized exterior caulking moves with the window framing so the seal doesn’t break as it expands and contracts with changing temperatures.</div><div><br /></div><div>If there has been a lot of condensation or mould on your windowsills, or cold drafts around them, bring in a window pro. It might be time to replace and upgrade your windows.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. And of course, check your roof. From the ground, look for missing, torn, buckling or curling shingles, or shingles with missing granules. These, along with asphalt granules in eavestroughs (you have to clean your eavestroughs, too!), are telltale signs your roof needs attention.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you work from the outside in and keep up with regular seasonal maintenance, your home and future renovations will be protected — not to mention, your family will be, too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Watch Mike Holmes on Holmes Makes It Right on HGTV. For more information visit makeitright.ca.</div><div><br /></div></div>The Holmes Spothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512620912625850729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587948499497941945.post-75178909640193885122015-03-15T21:24:00.000-07:002015-03-25T21:25:26.002-07:00Mike Holmes on Home Water FiltrationGood whole-house water quality is something that every person should be concerned with. Having access to clean water for drinking, cleaning, and bathing is pretty much what separates a first world country from a third world country. I for one live in a desert environment where water quantity and quality are of huge concern. The water where I live is some of the poorest quality water in the entire country, with a hardness rating of over 100 in some neighborhoods. This means without a good quality water softener, every water using appliance in the house is covered in a thick scummy coat of limestone, calcium, and magnesium. Hard water is not just inconvenient, it kills water using appliances such as washing machines, dish washers, and water heaters in a matter of a few short years. Long story short, having hard water sucks. Water hardness is not the only factor to consider with water quality. Chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and VOC's can be present in the local water supply, making a good quality water filter a must for many people. A water filter and a water softener are two entirely different products - filtered water is NOT soft water, and soft water can still contain many contaminants that are harmful to drink. In my region, I utilize a water softener for whole house water treatment to soften water and prolong the life of water using appliances. I also use a reverse osmosis water filtration system located at the kitchen sink for drinking and cooking. Reverse osmosis systems have their pros and cons, but the biggest "pro" includes bottle-quality water on tap. The type of water filtration system you will need depends largely on the region in which you live. A good plumber should be able to give you a recommendation for the best type of water filtration system for your region. In the article below, Mike Holmes talks about water quality and water filters, and how to find the best system for your home.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>From the <a href="http://news.nationalpost.com/2015/03/15/mike-holmes-which-water-filter-is-best-for-your-family/" target="_blank">National Post</a>:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e10rgsjEhOI/VROJw0XLC5I/AAAAAAAAFkM/Gg9IdYMtMXw/s1600/aholmes_waterfilters_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e10rgsjEhOI/VROJw0XLC5I/AAAAAAAAFkM/Gg9IdYMtMXw/s1600/aholmes_waterfilters_001.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: PostSerifLight, georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 40px; line-height: 1em;">Mike Holmes: Which water filter is best for your&nbsp;family?</span></div><div><div><br /></div><div><div>With World Plumbing Day on March 11 just gone, it seems like a good time to talk about water filters.</div><div><br /></div><div>As a homeowner, it can be difficult to know exactly where to start. Do you call a plumber? Should you get the standard pitcher-style countertop filter? Would that be enough? How often do you need to change the filter? How much is it going to cost you? And, is it worth it?</div><div><br /></div><div>When most people think of water filters they think of the typical water filter pitcher (also called a carafe filter) that is stored in the fridge. But water filters come in different shapes and sizes. There are carafe, faucet-mounted, under-sink and whole-house filters, among others.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some reduce water flow. Some wear out fast and need to be replaced often, while others don’t need to be replaced at all. Some replacement filters are fairly inexpensive, but others might cost in the hundreds. Some filters require changing plumbing, while others just attach to the tap.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The right water filter depends a lot on where you live and your lifestyle.</div><div><br /></div><div>For example, in some municipalities the local water supply is so hard (which basically means it has a lot of minerals in it) that builders will automatically install a water softener into every new home they build. In other regions there is concern about such chemicals and bacteria as radon (yes!) or E. coli getting into our water supply, rather than, say, lead or arsenic.</div><div><br /></div><div>And whatever is more convenient and cost-efficient for you might not be for your neighbour — a lot of it has to do with how many people live in your home and how much water you use. A carafe filter might be enough for two people but not for a family of four.</div><div><br /></div><div>And different filters eliminate different contaminants. For example, a water softener removes minerals — mainly calcium and magnesium — from water. But you’ll need a different water filter to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chloroform, radon or bacteria.</div><div><br /></div><div>So choosing the right filter starts with knowing what’s in your water. The only way to do that is to get your tap water tested.</div><div><br /></div><div>Every city has its own local authority for testing water — and in most cases (if not all) it is free.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next step is to take those results to the right pros. You have two choices: a licensed plumber or a water filtration expert. The latter will usually have a store that sells all kinds of water filters, water filtration systems and softeners, and they’ll have their own service guys who will install the system for you.</div><div><br /></div><div>But you can also ask a licensed plumber you trust for a consultation. Some plumbers have more experience in water filtration systems than others. For example, a plumber that works in a rural area might know more about water filters than a city-based pro because water filtration is more of an issue in rural areas.</div><div><br /></div><div>A licensed plumber will typically take your water’s test results to a water filtration supplier, ask for at least three water filters that will get rid of the contaminants in your water, and then recommend a proper water filtration system based on the plumbing in your home, number of fixtures, layout and consumption.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, it will cost you. But if it means getting the right system that will help protect your health and safety, there is no better investment.</div><div><br /></div><div>Watch Mike Holmes on Holmes Makes It Right on HGTV. For more information visit makeitright.ca.</div></div><div><br /></div></div>The Holmes Spothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512620912625850729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587948499497941945.post-48554954351459967752015-03-14T22:15:00.000-07:002015-03-21T22:15:10.973-07:00Mike Holmes Visits Lethbridge College - VideoOn March 7, Mike Holmes was in Lethbridge, Alberta Canada visiting Lethbridge college in their Trade Wing to promote his partnership with&nbsp;Bezooyen Contracting Inc. and Stranville Living. In the short news video below, Mike explains the reason for his visit and his commitment to the next generation of tradesmen and women. For more information about Mike's visit to Lethbridge, see&nbsp;<a href="http://holmesspot.blogspot.com/2015/03/mike-holmes-at-lethbridge-college.html" target="_blank">Mike Holmes at Lethbridge College</a>.<br /><br /><br /><div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-4flcPqCOeM" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />Pictures:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkSWmY_4LOw/VQ5PmiZFL0I/AAAAAAAAFjc/vDvtGNxb-xU/s1600/Lethbridge1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkSWmY_4LOw/VQ5PmiZFL0I/AAAAAAAAFjc/vDvtGNxb-xU/s1600/Lethbridge1.JPG" height="221" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1lp0wFPG3rw/VQ5PpGxg2jI/AAAAAAAAFjk/qaPflOOqubk/s1600/Lethbridge2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1lp0wFPG3rw/VQ5PpGxg2jI/AAAAAAAAFjk/qaPflOOqubk/s1600/Lethbridge2.JPG" height="220" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eN1fzMnJgEg/VQ5PrTX37OI/AAAAAAAAFjs/otecvC3rQTA/s1600/Lethbridge3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eN1fzMnJgEg/VQ5PrTX37OI/AAAAAAAAFjs/otecvC3rQTA/s1600/Lethbridge3.JPG" height="220" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tPpnRkefWgo/VQ5PtwYArUI/AAAAAAAAFj0/XRKQhAzYgmc/s1600/Lethbridge4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tPpnRkefWgo/VQ5PtwYArUI/AAAAAAAAFj0/XRKQhAzYgmc/s1600/Lethbridge4.JPG" height="220" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>The Holmes Spothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512620912625850729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587948499497941945.post-51154719933432373672015-03-13T20:38:00.000-07:002015-03-14T21:22:37.083-07:00Mike Holmes on BT Discussing Deck Safety and SigmaDek - VideoEarly this morning, Mike Holmes appeared on a segment of CityTV's Breakfast Television (or BT for short) where he discussed his endorsement of innovative decking company SigmaDek, as well as the fundamentals of deck safety. Mike explains the important of a sound and sturdy deck by citing a time where he leaned against a rail which broke, sending him four feet down to the ground.<br /><br />SigmaDek is a high tech company out of Calgary that now boasts the "Holmes Approved" seal of approval on their decking products. Mike explains his endorsement of the company and how they serve as both an innovative and cost effective way of creating a beautiful, strong, durable deck.<br /><br />For more information about Mike's endorsement of SigmaDek, see&nbsp;<a href="http://holmesspot.blogspot.com/2015/03/mike-holmes-endorses-sigmadek-unveils.html" target="_blank">Mike Holmes Endorses SigmaDek, Unveils Innovative Decking Products At National Home Show in Toronto</a>.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/duTNY3us4FI" width="560"></iframe>The Holmes Spothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512620912625850729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587948499497941945.post-90431926405505505832015-03-12T21:18:00.000-07:002015-03-14T21:19:01.514-07:00Mike Holmes Endorses SigmaDek, Unveils Innovative Decking Products At National Home Show in TorontoMike Holmes announced today through a press release that he is endorsing SigmaDek, a revolutionary new decking company out of Calgary, for their innovative new decking system. With SigmaDek, one can create a durable, beautiful, and virtually maintenance free deck that wont scratch, stain, or fall apart. Mike Holmes describes this product as a "game changer" in the world of decks that is aesthetically appealing and convenient to install. Mike Holmes will be unveiling this new product at the National Home Show in Toronto, Canada on March 13.<br /><br /><br />From <a href="http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1500529/construction-guru-mike-holmes-joins-sigmadek-to-unveil-its-revolutionary-patio-deck-system-at-national-home-show" target="_blank">Newswire.ca</a>:<br /><br /><h1 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #323232; font-family: Helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 30px; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="din" style="border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: DINWeb-Medium, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Construction guru Mike Holmes joins SigmaDek to unveil its revolutionary patio deck system at National Home Show</span></h1><br />TORONTO, March 12, 2015 /CNW/ - SigmaDek™ Ltd. of Calgary will unveil its unique, Canadian-made prefabricated decking system – the next generation in home deck design and building – with trusted contractor and TV host Mike Holmes at this month's National Home Show, presented by RE/MAX and co-located with Canada Blooms in Toronto.<br /><br />Holmes will attend the opening day of the National Home Show, presented by RE/MAX and co-located with Canada Blooms on March 13, 2015 from 9:30 am to noon to give the media a first look at the high-tech SigmaDek product line, which combines aerospace-grade aluminum substructure with aluminum-and-porcelain deck boards that connect seamlessly. The award-winning system creates a stunning patio deck surface that delivers unprecedented levels of durability, fast assembly, convenience and safety.<br /><br />"SigmaDek is a game-changer. It introduces a whole new product category when it comes to building decks, and it's smart. It reduces construction time, it's scratch proof, stain resistant, maintenance free, and it lasts. Not to mention it looks good, too!" said Holmes, host of the popular television series Holmes on Homes® and Holmes Makes It Right. "Homeowners, deck installers, builders and designers are going to love this product!"<br /><br />SigmaDek has been officially designated a HOLMES Approved Product. The HOLMES Approved Products program helps homeowners choose quality products for their home.<br /><br />SigmaDek will have a full patio model on display for the run of the National Home Show, presented by RE/MAX and co-located with Canada Blooms from March 13–22 in the Direct Energy Centre at Toronto's Exhibition Place.<br /><br />"Our new SigmaDek system is a breakthrough product that truly must be seen to be believed," said Tory Weber, President of SigmaDek Ltd. "Our easy-to install, pre-fabricated system features non-combustible components that interlock seamlessly, look beautiful and will never rot, crack or warp. It's nothing less than a paradigm shift in patio deck construction and materials."<br />SigmaDek is the industry's first painted and prefabricated deck system, with ready-to-assemble components that minimize job site waste while dramatically reducing construction time.<br /><br />"We are extremely excited to introduce SigmaDek to the Canadian market following seven years of careful development and we are very proud to have the participation of Mike Holmes, Canada's leading voice on home improvement and construction," Weber added.<br /><br />SigmaDek will be available nationally in retail home improvement stores starting in May 2015, and the in-store experience will include SigmaDek's industry-leading Customer Experience Interactive Center. Trained SigmaDek representatives will be a touchscreen away via a high-tech, interactive kiosk to provide live consultation and information to Canadian consumers.<br /><br />"Personal interaction with each customer from our trained experts is essential in providing the highest level of customer service and support and that is unprecedented in the building materials sector," said Paul Walker, SigmaDek CEO.<br /><br />SigmaDek's aluminum deck system – deck substructure, railing, stairs and porcelain deck boards - carries a limited lifetime warranty. SigmaDek's system is Built Green™ certified and tested beyond Canada's existing building code requirements.<br />Additional details on SigmaDek's innovative design are available online at www.sigmadek.com, along with amazing videos demonstrating SigmaDek's incredible durability and unique appearance.<br /><br />For all media inquiries regarding Mike Holmes, please contact The Holmes Group.<br /><br />ABOUT SIGMADEK<br />Based in Calgary, Canada SigmaDek Ltd. is a privately held company founded in 2008. SigmaDek™ has spent over six years designing and engineering a safe, aluminum component decking system. SigmaDek is using materials that do not deteriorate and can only be installed according to a pre-engineered design. These systems are made from rugged die cast aluminum and extruded aluminum. SigmaDek is taking the lead in providing a Safe, Strong and Sustainable alternative to wood constructions, while improving outdoor esthetics.<br />ABOUT MIKE HOLMES<br />Mike Holmes is a professional contractor and the host and creator of the hit TV series Holmes on Homes®, Holmes Inspection and Holmes Makes It Right. He's been named the 2nd Most Trusted Canadian by Reader's Digest, Forbes' 3rd Most Trustworthy Celebrity and the 8th Most Trusted Public Name in America. Through his company, The Holmes Group, Mike Holmes leads an international brand with operations in independent media production, new-home building and home inspection, residential construction and renovation, as well as product development. The HOLMES brand includes Make It Right Productions Inc., HOLMES Communities, HOLMES Approved Homes, MIKE HOLMES Inspections, HOLMES Approved Products, Make It Right Construction, HOLMES Workwear and The Holmes Foundation.<br /><br />SOURCE SigmaDek Ltd.The Holmes Spothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512620912625850729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587948499497941945.post-15299908191005829882015-03-09T21:21:00.000-07:002015-03-09T21:21:06.010-07:00Empire Communities Partners with Mike Holmes for HOLMES Approved Homes ProgramIt was announced today that Empire Communities, a home builder with a 20 year track record of building quality homes in Ontario, is the latest member of the Holmes Approved Homes program. The partnership between the two companies was announced via a press release:<br /><br />From <a href="http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1498875/empire-communities-partners-with-mike-holmes-for-holmes-approved-homes-program" target="_blank">Newswire.ca</a>:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GM0jP8_UMCQ/VP5wwEsUDNI/AAAAAAAAFgA/XTsGVI0m_Fs/s1600/20150309_C3738_PHOTO_EN_12951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GM0jP8_UMCQ/VP5wwEsUDNI/AAAAAAAAFgA/XTsGVI0m_Fs/s1600/20150309_C3738_PHOTO_EN_12951.jpg" height="291" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Empire Communities Partners with Mike Holmes for HOLMES Approved Homes Program</span></b><br /><div><br /></div><br />The partnership will see Empire's lowrise communities inspected and certified by HOLMES Approved Homes inspectors<br /><br />VAUGHAN, ON, March 9, 2015 /CNW/ - Empire Communities continues its commitment to building homes of enduring value with the announcement that they partnered with Mike Holmes and his HOLMES Approved Homes Program for all of its lowrise communities in Ontario. Empire was approached by the Holmes team to join the exclusive program.<br /><br />"Empire is the biggest builder we've partnered with, hands down," states Mike Holmes. "I'm excited about this partnership because it helps me to reach more homebuyers. Everyone deserves to have a home built right. Thanks to this partnership with Empire, now they can. This is going to be huge!"<br /><br />The HOLMES Approved Homes Program implements Mike Holmes' mandate in new-home construction, giving homebuyers the opportunity to purchase a home built to Mike's standards. Every unit registered in the Program must undergo a series of inspections during critical stages of construction to receive HOLMES Approved Homes certification.<br /><br />"We are honoured that the Holmes team personally selected us for the HOLMES Approved Homes Program and are thrilled to say inspections have already begun at our sites in Southwestern Ontario," says Paul A. Golini Jr., Co-Founder and Executive Vice President, Industry Relations, Empire.<br /><br />The HOLMES Approved Homes Program augments Partner Builders' quality assurance programs, based on Mike's building specifications, and transfers that value to their clients for added reassurance and their peace of mind.<br /><br />Through the partnership, every Empire home that is part of the program will be inspected both during and after construction, including building envelope reviews, thermographic scans, and a complete review of finishes, plumbing, HVAC and electrical, among other inspections.<br /><br />Once all inspections are complete, Empire homeowners will receive a HOLMES Approved Homes Summary Report as a transparent record of their home's construction and to help build future value.<br /><br />"By providing our homeowners with transparent proof that their home has been built to be safer, stronger and more durable thanks to superior construction practices and a strict adherence to proper code, they can have peace of mind knowing their future home has been built to last and is a smart investment," says Golini.<br /><br />Empire lowrise communities currently registered in the HOLMES Approved Homes Program include Eaton Square, Glow, Imagine, Lakeside, Lush at Victory, Summerlea, Victory, Wyndance and Wyndfield.<br /><br />In its 20-year history, Empire has achieved over 90 awards for outstanding service, achievement and design. The company is one of the most awarded Green Builders in Ontario having for a number of years been recognized by the HHHBA, WRHBA, BILD and EnerQuality as Green Builder of the Year. &nbsp;In 2014 EnerQuality recognized Empire for achieving 1000 ENERGY STAR® qualified homes in their Wyndfield Community making them the largest ENERGY STAR® builder in Southwestern Ontario.<br /><br />For Empire interview opportunities, please contact Vicbar Marketing Ltd.<br /><br />For all inquiries regarding Mike Holmes, including interviews, please contact The Holmes Group.<br /><br />SOURCE Empire Communities<br /><br />Image with caption: "Mike Holmes (CNW Group/Empire Communities/The Holmes Group)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150309_C3738_PHOTO_EN_12951.jpg<br /><br />&nbsp;For further information: Media Contacts: Vicki Griffiths, Vicbar Marketing Ltd., Ph: 416-510-0073, Cel: 416-432-8785, vgriffiths@vicbarmarketing.com; Jodi Goulart, Vicbar Marketing Ltd., Cel: 647-887-8643, jgoulart@vicbarmarketing.com; Amanda Heath, The Holmes Group, 647-253-0300 ext. 410, amandaheath@makeitright.ca<br /><br /><br />The Holmes Spothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08512620912625850729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-587948499497941945.post-26840918345437747852015-03-08T22:05:00.000-07:002015-03-09T22:07:22.287-07:00Mike Holmes at Lethbridge CollegeThis past Saturday, March 7, Mike Holmes was the special guest at Lethbridge College in Lethbridge, Alberta Canada. From 1:30-4:30 PM, Mike met with students, faculty, and guests in the Trades Wing to promote his partnership with two Lethbride builders - &nbsp;Bezooyen Contracting Inc. and Stranville Living (see&nbsp;<a href="http://holmesspot.blogspot.com/2014/04/mike-holmes-partners-with-bezooyen.html" target="_blank">Mike Holmes Partners with Bezooyen Contracting</a>&nbsp;for more information). A VIP "Mix and Mingle" event was also held at the&nbsp;Garden Court Restaurant at 12:30 p.m. Tickets to the VIP event could be won by visiting the Stranville Living Facebook page and entering their contest.<br /><div><br /></div><div>An article from the <a href="http://lethbridgeherald.com/news/local-news/2015/03/07/building-bridges/" target="_blank">Lethbridge Herald:</a></div><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="font-size: large;">BUILDING BRIDGES</span></div><div>BY LETHBRIDGE HERALD ON MARCH 7, 2015.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XKMS7BQp03s/VP57ftIovwI/AAAAAAAAFig/l-DC1JPt7Ec/s1600/Mike%2BLethbridge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XKMS7BQp03s/VP57ftIovwI/AAAAAAAAFig/l-DC1JPt7Ec/s1600/Mike%2BLethbridge.JPG" /></a></div>TV host and contractor partners with local builders Melissa Villeneuve Lethbridge Herald mvilleneuve@lethbridgeherald.com If you build it, he will come. Two local award-winning builders learned this to be true after their workmanship caught the eye of Mike Holmes, trusted contractor and popular television host, who was at Lethbridge College on Saturday. Holmes was here in celebration of his partnership with Stranville Living and Bezooyen Contracting Inc. Both are recognized as official HOLMES Approved Homes Partner Builders under the HOLMES Approved Homes Program. “I’m only one guy, I’m only one company. I can’t do it all, but what I did do was come up with an idea that made sense. Find the best builders across Canada, ones that really want to step above and beyond the builders that don’t care,” said Holmes. “The biggest problem we’ve seen is the boom and when the boom happens, everyone wants to buy and everyone wants to build. Those who build faster it’s about icing on the cake. Does the cake taste good? Odds are the answer’s no. If we build smarter, we build better, we’re building for the environment, we’re building for you, and we’re building healthier homes.” Both Bezooyen Contracting Inc. and Stranville Living said they were honoured to be chosen. Only top builders are recruited by the Holmes team to join the exclusive program, which currently partners with about 39 builders across Canada. Each builder is required to build homes according to Holmes’ specifications in order to receive HOLMES Approved Homes certification. Homes undergo a series of inspections during construction to ensure the proper building practices and installation guidelines have been executed. “We find you. You don’t find me. We check you out, we like what we see, and right now to have Bezooyen Contracting and Stranville Living here in Lethbridge, they’re the two best builders we’ve found and they want to do what I want to do. And now working with the college to bring kids in to build better, build smarter, this is a smart way of doing things right.” Holmes is an ambassador for World Skills and Skills Canada competitions that recognize the best of the trades. Both are near to his heart because he said he didn’t get any respect when he first started out as a young contractor. “It was simple, you’re a contractor, you’re nothing. The truth is that’s not true. Being a contractor I can design the hospital a doctor works in, and the home he lives in, and I can build it better than anyone else out there. I should get the same respect. We need to see respect into the trades, especially right now, and make it cool again.” He believes it’s the best career to get into with opportunities to make money, learn new technology, and have job security. A line-up started early for a public session in the afternoon, where Holmes met with hundreds of fans and posed for pictures in the LC Trades Wing. For more information on the program, visit http://www.holmesapprovedhomes.com.<br /><br /><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Lethbridge Mayor Chris Spearman attended the event and posted several photos to his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/chris.spearman" target="_blank">personal Facebook page</a>:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WY0IhXg_Grs/VP56e_sRaFI/AAAAAAAAFiM/ezFvhWJUcKc/s1600/997033_10155266692905284_1090676583737907874_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WY0IhXg_Grs/VP56e_sRaFI/AAAAAAAAFiM/ezFvhWJUcKc/s1600/997033_10155266692905284_1090676583737907874_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GVBvXjYcsMM/VP56ei_QotI/AAAAAAAAFiE/vYWpuzPayHE/s1600/18292_10155266692055284_5948911456031051101_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GVBvXjYcsMM/VP56ei_QotI/AAAAAAAAFiE/vYWpuzPayHE/s1600/18292_10155266692055284_5948911456031051101_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jpM7RsOSZwk/VP56dyGbX9I/AAAAAAAAFh8/2J9qygxbPoI/s1600/15625_10155266695275284_7888279152285417832_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jpM7RsOSZwk/VP56dyGbX9I/AAAAAAAAFh8/2J9qygxbPoI/s1600/15625_10155266695275284_7888279152285417832_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ErDqr0_Kx7c/VP56d7OkMuI/AAAAAAAAFiI/XzbCyRHHnhY/s1600/13621_10155266694080284_8230044858634766932_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ErDqr0_Kx7c/VP56d7OkMuI/AAAAAAAAFiI/XzbCyRHHnhY/s1600/13621_10155266694080284_8230044858634766932_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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